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MAGA lemmings

President Donald Trump has corrupted the GOP like a hollowed out apple. As a person who is leaving one GOP state (North Carolina) for another (Iowa), I have seen the systematic destruction of the agricultural industry in both states through petty Mafia-style threats and psychotic daydreams about political annexation of neighboring nations Canada and Greenland. Canada was (because it is over) actually a major importer of American products. We have lost that through threats by Trump that he will compel Canada to be usurped into a 51st state. Canada extends into the Arctic circle and is ...

Let’s cancel the fireworks

I have shared my opinion about the issue of fireworks at this time of year with friends and family, every year, I’m sure. I don’t like fireworks! That’s my opinion. I do like the Municipal Band performance which usually performs before the fireworks. The band members are very talented people who primarily volunteer their time and talent. A large amount of money is spent on the fireworks and someone ignites it, says “watch out!” and “stay away!” The audience claps, says oooh! and wow! Prior to the fireworks while the band is playing the crowd can enjoy the music. My ...

Human Genius

We’ve launched over 4000 satellites into space and now have huge numbers of operable and defunct satellites along with other human-sourced junk continually and densely orbiting our planet. We’ve badly polluted and over-fished our massive and irreplaceable oceans. We’ve managed to poison the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soils that produce our foods. We’ve sorely diminished both our surface waters and underground aquifers on which all life depends. We’ve destroyed vast natural habitats leaving little left for what few wildlife have managed to survive. Meanwhile, ...

Working in the Church

For a long time I have been helping to print and fold our Church bulletins. It is a task that needs to be done, so we just do it. Today’s task had a blessing. A picture of heavenly arms reaching through darkened clouds to connect with humans on Earth. In the middle of the picture, was our Church. First off, I felt that Heaven and Earth were agreeing to be faithful to all good things. After all, that is what God has wanted for thousands of years. In the beginning, humans agreed with God and made promises to be faithful. But time and the presence of satan proved too much for us. ...

Freedom, but not for all

As we celebrate the Fourth of July with friends, festivities and flags, basking in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, let’s pause to consider those denied even the most basic freedoms — not just people, but animals. Whether hunted in the wild, confined in laboratories, imprisoned in zoos or circuses, caught in traps or caged, raised and killed for their fur, skin. feathers, flesh, or by-products, animals have no freedom! Consider farmed animals: billions live in confinement, deprived of autonomy, dignity, and joy. Chickens never spread their wings, pigs never root in ...

Paying taxes

I am a proud American, and there was a time when I felt an even deeper pride in our country. Like many people, I didn’t always appreciate paying taxes — especially when the difference between gross and net pay is so noticeable. But as I matured, I came to understand the critical importance of the essential services our taxes fund. I received a solid education at a public school where I was taught civics and the role taxes play in keeping our government running. I spent most of my career as a registered nurse caring for veterans — men and women who served this country honorably. ...